County Galway

Dunguaire_Castle,_Galway,_Ireland

Galway_County_Council,_2022-05-15

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County Galway Contae na Gaillimhe
County
Location in Ireland
Country	Ireland
Province	Connacht
County town	Galway
Area
• Total	6,148 km2 (2,374 sq mi)
Area rank	2nd
Population  (2022)
• Total	258,058
• Rank	5th
• Density	42/km2 (110/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+0 (WET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-1 (IST)
Area code(s)	091, 093, 095, 097
ISO 3166 code	IE-G

County Galway (Irish: Contae na Gaillimhe ) is a county in the west of Ireland, in the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. The population of the county is 258,058 according to the 2022 census.

Geography

County Galway is the second largest county in Ireland by area and the fifth largest by population. It is bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, on the north by County Mayo, on the east by County Roscommon and County Offaly, and on the south by County Clare and County Tipperary. The county town is Galway.

The county is known for its rugged landscape, including the Connemara region, which is famous for its scenic beauty and traditional Irish culture. The Aran Islands are also part of County Galway and are known for their ancient forts and unique cultural heritage.

History

County Galway has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by various tribes and clans, including the Fir Bolg and the Tuatha Dé Danann. During the medieval period, the county was part of the kingdom of Connacht and was ruled by the O'Flaherty and O'Kelly clans.

The city of Galway was founded in the 12th century and became an important trading port. The county played a significant role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and the subsequent Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.

Economy

The economy of County Galway is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county is known for its Galway Races, which attract visitors from all over Ireland and beyond. Tourism is also a major industry, with attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, and the Burren.

Culture

County Galway is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. The county is a stronghold of the Irish language, particularly in the Gaeltacht areas of Connemara. The city of Galway is known for its festivals, including the Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, and the Galway Oyster Festival.

Traditional Irish music and dance are also an important part of the county's cultural heritage. The county has produced many famous musicians, writers, and artists.

Education

County Galway is home to several educational institutions, including the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway) and the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). These institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and contribute to the county's vibrant academic community.

Transport

County Galway is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The M6 motorway links Galway city to Dublin, while the N17 and N18 provide connections to other parts of the country. The county is served by Galway railway station, which offers regular services to Dublin and other destinations.

Galway Airport provides domestic flights, while Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport Knock offer international connections.

Related Pages

• Galway (city)
• Connemara
• Aran Islands
• Irish language
• National University of Ireland, Galway
• Galway Races
• Galway International Arts Festival